LP defends DAP despite Aquino indictment

The unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) that landed former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in hot water was merely meant to deliver services and infrastructure “needed by the people.”

This was the defense of the Liberal Party (LP) on Wednesday after the Office of the Ombudsman announced Aquino’s indictment for usurpation of legislative powers over the DAP scam.

READ: Ombudsman indicts Aquino over DAP scam

In a statement, the LP tried to justify why Aquino approved the DAP, which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

“The DAP was crafted with the intention to deliver the services and infrastructure needed by the people and guided by the laws available to the executive,” the LP said.

“This is why former President Aquino gave his nod to the program,” it added.

The party also assured that the former president would show that “he did not commit any illegal act” before all courts and until the “very end of the process.”

“He will respect the process, as he expects that his reasoning be also given due course,” the LP said.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the indictment of Aquino for violation of Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code. However, the indictment may still be subjected to a motion for reconsideration.

The indictment was ordered after acting on the motions for reconsideration filed by the complainant-movants Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Renato Reyes, Benjamin Valbuena, Dante LA Jimenez, Mae Paner, Antonio Flores, Gloria Arellano and Bonifacio Carmona Jr. /ee